Guardiola is considering resting Haaland for Man City’s League Cup match against Swansea

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said his prized striker Erling Haaland could be rested for Wednesday’s League Cup fourth round tie against Welsh second division Swansea City, while midfielder Rodri remains unavailable.

Haaland, who did not score for the first time in thirteen games for club and country in the 1-0 Premier League defeat against Aston Villa on Sunday, hit the post in the final minutes.

«Erling, I didn’t see him today, but it was a blow and he’s getting better every day,» Guardiola told a press conference on Tuesday. “Now we train this afternoon, where we will find out more about how he feels and decide if he can play.

«Yes, this is a game where we can rest Erling.»

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Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has not played since suffering a hamstring injury at Brentford ahead of October’s international break. The latest setback is part of a sputtering return for the Spaniard since he suffered a serious knee injury thirteen months ago.

“Rodri is still not (finished), he is getting better and training with us,” Guardiola said. «No, I have no idea when it will be available. Hopefully soon, but not yet.»

City, who have won the League Cup four times under Guardiola, are expected to rotate heavily on the trip to South Wales as they continue to have a busy schedule.

Don’t take anything for granted

Although City are favorites against Swansea, who are 13th in the championship, Guardiola said he is not taking any team for granted.

«It’s not my first time. I’ve played here for 10 seasons and I’ve played many times with (League Cups) and FA Cups,» said Guardiola, whose last League Cup victory came in 2021.

«We’ve always taken lower division teams seriously; otherwise we wouldn’t have had the success we’ve had in the past, so we prepare in the same way. Incredible focus, sometimes even more.»

The City boss also addressed the situation of Kalvin Phillips, who has become the forgotten man at City, struggling for minutes.

City’s 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town in the third round of the League Cup is the only match in which the midfielder has featured this season.

“Not for a start, but maybe he will travel with us,” Guardiola said when asked if Phillips could feature at Swansea.

«He is a player for the team, the squad. He comes back, he trains with us and we treat him like another player. The decision whether he plays or not is up to me.»

«He’s always an incredible guy. It’s a pleasure to have him in the locker room.»

Published on October 28, 2025